Bring on the hybrids
By Frank O'Brien
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Over the past few years,
General Motors Canada and arch-rival DaimlerChrysler Canada have been revving
up the competition in the full-size pickup market with ever increasing power.
Chrysler's launch of its hemi-head and Magnum V-8 and V-10 versions that smoked
nearly everything else on the road won that race, most would say.
But now the two giants have combined forces to develop fuel-efficient hybrid
models to meet competition from Toyota and Ford.
GM, the world's largest automaker, and its German-U.S. rival have signed a
memorandum of understanding on the development of the hybrid technology, which
creates trucks that are super energy efficient without any lack of power.
"Our planned cooperation will draw on the technical expertise of two
of the largest auto companies in the world," DaimlerChrysler board member
Thomas Weber said. "The result will be a series of strong hybrid propulsion
systems."
So what have they come up with? The 2005 models are evidence that GM and Chrysler
have notched up the hybrid truck technology with machines that are not only
fuel-efficient but are actually rolling power generators.
Chrysler
This year DaimlerChrysler began production of the Dodge Ram Diesel HEV. The
Ram HEV has start-stop capability, which shuts the engine off at full stop
and restarts when the accelerator is pressed. A regenerative braking system
helps recharge the batteries. The savings on fuel is up to 15 per cent over
comparable engines.
It is built on the Ram Heavy Duty (2500/ 3500) chassis and is equipped with
diesel/electric hybrid propulsion. Diesel works well as a hybrid because there
is fuel economy savings with a diesel, compared to a similar gasoline engine.
And, in the case of its 325hp/600 lb-ft Cummins Turbo Diesel, there isn't
a comparable gasoline or diesel engine on the market.
But the Ram HEV offers another benefit. The truck can operate as an electric
generator, providing 110/220-volt AC power, which would be useful on construction
job sites or during emergency power outages. In fact, the truck can provide
enough electricity to power four average houses. DaimlerChrysler also has
plans to market other hybrids, including the new hybrid Sprinter van later
this year.
General Motors
General Motors began delivery of its first full-size hybrid pickup this year,
on the Chevrolet Silverado and the Sierra platforms
The hybrid pickups feature GM's powerful 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E
four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with a new hybrid technology. It
delivers 10 to 12 per cent improved fuel economy over GM half-ton pickups.
The GM hybrids feature four 120-volt, 20- amp electrical auxiliary power outlets
under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed that can accommodate
up to four accessories while driving or when parked. With this auxiliary generator,
the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in
the ignition and can be used, for example, to power tools at a construction
site for up to 32 hours non-stop.
All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system
to prevent overloads and short circuits.
The GM hybrid pickups are efficient because of the engine start/stop function
and regenerative braking, which turns the motor into a generator as the truck
decelerates. Extra fuel savings come from quickly shutting off fuel any time
the truck is coasting or braking, and using the electric motor to smooth out
any resulting vibrations.
Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, the hybrid truck features
a compact electric motor that is integrated in a space-efficient way between
the engine and transmission. The electric motor provides fast, quiet starting
power and the ability to generate up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric
power.
At a stop light, the gasoline engine stops running, but the accessories continue
working on stored electrical power. When the driver releases the brake, the
gasoline engine kicks in again seamlessly
Fuel savings and raw power: looks like the biggest truck makers are creating
a winning combination.
HB
